ROM Emulator Overview

multiROM Series ROM Emulators are advanced debugging tools for embedded systems. EPROM or FLASH memory programming during the application development process is no longer required. The ROM emulator seamlessly replaces the EPROM or FLASH memory of the system under development, thus allowing a very fast uploading of your code directly onto the built-in emulation memory.

The emulator connects to the host PC through a standard parallel port (EPP/ECP supported for maximum speed). You then simply insert the appropiate pod into the target's memory socket (a DIP32 pod is included). The emulator is independent from the target microprocessor, and the emulation of every EPROM or FLASH memory (in DIP, PLCC, TSOP or PSOP package) is completely transparent and straightforward. The emulator uses, but does not come with, a 9-18 V DC 1A (unregulated) wall plug-in power supply with 2.1 mm pin-and-sleeve plug with positive center and sleeve as ground.

Real-time emulation (Live Accessing) allows the host PC to transparently view/edit the memory under emulation in real time, without affecting the target's memory access timings (no wait states inserted). Real-time emulation allows you, for example, to modify control variables (loop counter variables, timing constants, etc.) and look-up tables, or to simulate conditions that trigger external signals; all this in real time, while the target system is running.

The multiROM Emulator also features Virtual Terminal, a communication channel between the host PC and the target system which allows the latter to send messages to the former during the emulation, and vice versa. By simply accessing some dedicated multiROM locations, the target can send, while running, the content of its variables or whatever other text messages to the host PC; the Virtual Terminal messages are displayed in a dedicated user interface window. The emulator provides an output Reset signal that can be generated as needed. Additionally it can generate a trigger out signal (depending on memory access conditions specified in the user interface) that can be used by the target system. A trace buffer is also built in into the instruments.

ROM Emulator Contents

multiROM Emulator board

One DIP-32 emulation pod

Two flat emulation cables

Parallel cable

Reset and Trigger Out cables and grabbers

multiROM user interface software

Printed documentation

ROM Emulator Supported Devices

27C64 ROM 64Kbit (8K x 8) DIP-28

27C128 ROM 128Kbit (16K x 8) DIP-28

27C256 ROM 256Kbit (32K x 8) DIP-28

27C512 ROM 512Kbit (64K x 8) DIP-28

27C010 ROM 1Mbit (128K x 8) DIP-32

27C020 ROM 2Mbit (256K x 8) DIP-32

27C040 ROM 4Mbit (512K x 8) DIP-32

27C080 ROM 8Mbit (1M x 8) DIP-32

29F256 FLASH 256Kbit (32K x 8) DIP-32

29F512 FLASH 512Kbit (64K x 8) DIP-32

29F010 FLASH 1Mbit (128K x 8) DIP-32

29F020 FLASH 2Mbit (256K x 8) DIP-32

29F040 FLASH 4Mbit (512K x 8) DIP-32

Note: Additional devices are supported with the use of optional pin adapters or emulation pods for different packages. See below.

ROM Emulator Options

Several options are selectable below to expand the capabilities of this ROM Emulator:

The Interface Library is a DLL which allows you to use your own programs directly with the emulator.

There are two DIP-32 to PLCC-32 Emulation Adapters -- one for 512 Kbit and smaller devices; one for 1 Mbit and larger devices. These adapters permit the emulation of EPROMs and FLASH memories listed above that are in PLCC-32 package instead of DIP-28 or DIP-32.

The DIP-40 Emulation Pod permits support of 27C1024, 27C2048, and 27C4096 ROMs in DIP-40 package.

The DIP-40 to PLCC-44 Emulation Adapter, when used in conjunction with the DIP-40 Emulation Pod mentioned above, permits support of those three ROMs, plus the 27C516 ROM and 29C1024 FLASH. Note that you must purchase the DIP-40 Emulation Pod in order to use this adapter.

There are two PSOP-44 Emulation Pods -- one for 8-bit 29Fx00 devices; one for 16-bit 29Fx00 devices.

You also may order an Additional DIP-32 Emulation Pod (one is included with the emulator).

29F080 and 29F016 FLASH memories are also supported by the emulator (though real-time emulation is not possible with the 29F016), but currently no emulation pods for their packages are available to purchase.